Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
While many smartphone brands today are trying to push for more premium flagships, Samsung is staying grounded by reminding us that they too, have affordable Galaxy phones that are just as well-rounded and equipped with necessities as their already-popular flagships.
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly demanding world (mentally, physically and even financially) Samsung knows what students, first-jobbers and even regular smartphone users want: quality smartphones that do the job and don't require months of saving. That's exactly what the latest Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A36 5G deliver.
Plus, these two phones present both accessibility and balanced performance together with a long-lasting ecosystem. Both share a common goal — giving you more for your money.
Galaxy A26 5G: When You Need Samsung Quality Within Your Budget
Available in 8GB RAM + 258GB storage variant, the Galaxy A26 5G is Samsung's answer to those asking "Can I get a quality smartphone without breaking the bank?"
Galaxy A26 5G packs a very clear 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate—the kind of screen experience often on pricier phones. This means pleasantly clear and sharp visuals when binge-watching your favourite series or scrolling through social media.
With the efficient Exynos 1380 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy A26 5G handles daily tasks from the likes of video calls to multitasking between apps smoothly.
This is the fun part about tech innovating well. Budding photography enthusiasts can now enjoy its higher resolution 50MP Wide-angle camera which also has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), so steadier shots are easier to achieve. Pair that with its 13MP Selfie Camera, and you've got a phone that's ready to capture every moment.
Add IP67 dust and water resistance, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ protection, and a 5,000mAh battery for all day battery use, and you've got a device built to last.
Presented as a budget to mid range phone, the Galaxy A26 5G is available in Black, Mint, and Peach Pink.
Galaxy A36 5G: For If You Want More Power
If you do need more power under the hood, you can opt for the Galaxy A36 5G with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which delivers stronger performance for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
The Galaxy A36 5G holds extra power and memory which makes a real difference in juggling multiple apps or pushing your daily driver harder.
Galaxy A36 5G shares the same impressive 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display as its A26 sibling, but has higher brightness levels up to 1,200 nits for better visibility outdoors. It also has a more powerful Octa-core processor paired with a 15% larger vapor chamber to keep everything running cool during intense gaming sessions or prolonged use. The size of this vapor chamber is also the same as the one on the more powerful Galaxy S24+ flagship, so you’re getting your money’s worth here.
Battery life is also the same 5,000mAh capacity optimised for all day battery use and long hours of video playback. Plus, Galaxy A36 5G supports 45W fast charging, which is significantly faster than the A26's 25W charging, so you spend less time plugged to a charger or power bank.
Like Galaxy A26, the Galaxy A36 5G is built to last with its IP67 protection and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ on both front and back. The device comes in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, Awesome White, and Awesome Lime.
Seamless AI Features For The Premium Experience
Both phones come equipped with Samsung's Awesome Intelligence suite, equipping you with practical AI-powered features to help you get through the day quicker and easier.
Enjoy features like Google Circle to Search to instantly search anything on your screen by simply circling it, or Object Eraser to remove unwanted elements from your photos. Meanwhile, the Edit Suggestion offers AI-generated recommendations to improve your shots, and with My Filter it analyzes your existing photos to create custom filters that match your style, giving your content a unique, personalized touch.
The Samsung Ecosystem Advantage
Samsung has also granted longevity, blessing both the Galaxy A26 and A36 with 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates. That means your phone stays fresh and secure for more than half a decade—an exceptional commitment that few brands offer at this price point.
Beyond the hardware and software, both phones also give you access to the broader Samsung Galaxy ecosystem; you can enjoy Samsung accessories without facing annoying pairing troubles.
Connect right away with Galaxy Buds for audio, Galaxy Fit3 for fitness tracking, or pair with your Galaxy Watch to kickstart a simpler way to use your phone and its health feature. Features like Quick Share also make file transfers between Samsung devices effortless, and Smart Switch helps you easily move from your old phone (even iOS) to your new Galaxy device.
Both devices represent Samsung's commitment to making the Galaxy experience accessible to everyone, echoing their lifestyle belief: “Mestilah Samsung, Baru ada Gaya” (Going for Style? Gotta Go with Samsung). Plus, the Samsung ecosystem has been fortified to last at least half a decade, so you’re buying into a brand not just for its hardware quality, but also relevancy for years to come.
Still unsure which to get? Go with the Galaxy A26 for RM999 if you want to enjoy Samsung's smartphone quality, a beautiful display, decent performance for everyday tasks, and the peace of mind that its software will last with 6 years of support.
Otherwise, go with the Galaxy A36 for RM1,299 as it gives better performance, faster charging, and enhanced camera capabilities, but still within a good attainable and practical budget.
To enjoy both phones at their prices, head to any physical Samsung and authorised merchant stores.
[This post was made in collaboration with Samsung Malaysia.]
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